Views from the Choir Loft

Simple English Mass Propers

Corpus Christi Watershed · December 23, 2024

Reader Question • “Extra Verses” for the Propers

Jeff Ostrowski answers a reader’s question with nine (9) statements.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 4, 2024

PDF Download • “Entrance Chant” — 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

I’d love to hear you sing this!

Fr. David Friel · October 2, 2016

New Collection of Propers from GIA

The growing market for Mass propers is a sign of promise.

Fr. David Friel · June 14, 2015

OFFERTORY: Chant Propers in Three Parts for Sundays & Feasts

Exciting New Collection of Simple English Propers!

Fr. David Friel · April 26, 2015

A Criticism & Good News

Another Look at Fr. Weber’s “The Proper of the Mass”

Fr. David Friel · April 19, 2015

“Proper Of The Mass” (Ignatius Press) • Part 4 of 7

The Next Big Thing Is Here

Jeff Ostrowski · November 19, 2014

New Propers Collection By Lawrence M. Rutherford

“English Psalm-Tone Propers for the Ordinary Form of the Mass” is now available in print!

Guest Author · September 8, 2014

Fr. Alan M. Guanella Reviews The Jogues Missal

“No other pew Missal has done such a beautiful job setting the Ordinary of the Mass.” — Fr. Alan M. Guanella

Jeff Ostrowski · August 12, 2014

Some Thoughts On “Englishing” Gregorian Chant

But why bring up this subject at all, when probably 95% of Catholic priests have no familiarity with Gregorian chant? • concerning the challenges of composing Gregorian chant in English+

Guest Author · August 12, 2014

Important Resources for Liturgical Reform (5 of 7)

“Simple English Choral Propers” by Jon Naples

Richard J. Clark · May 23, 2014

Mass in Honor of Pope Saint John Paul II on “Sounds from the Spires” and the Youth-Based Chant Movement

On air discussion with Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Director of Music at St. Patrick’s Cathedral – the youth-propelled chant movement, the new economic model of publishing, and how these are reshaping the liturgical landscape…and broadcast of the “Mass in Honor of Pope Saint John Paul II”.

Corpus Christi Watershed · May 7, 2014

Simple English Propers: Full PDF Download

As a bonus, several handy website links are given!

Guest Author · May 3, 2014

Simple English Propers Organ Accompaniments

Two exciting new volumes in the field of sung propers.

New Bulletin Article • “21 September 2025”

My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!

It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies

Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”

We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?

It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)

How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).

—Corpus Christi Watershed